Director’s Notes
Mary Job
This is Mary’s directorial debut with Ashe County Little Theatre, and she is excited to be directing alongside her good friend, Jan Gambill. Mary returned home to North Carolina in 2023 after retiring from a career in teaching. This production marks Mary’s third involvement with Ashe County Little Theatre. She previously designed the set for The Christians and was the stage manager for Shrek The Musical.
Jan Gambill
Jan has been with ACLT for 52 years! “Elf” is the seventh musical she has directed. Jan's latest role was Millie in “Exit Laughing.” She is also part of three generations performing at ACLT (including her daughter Jill and granddaughter Delia). Jan appreciates the invaluable love and support of her entire family. She also wants to thank ACLT for allowing her to continue to be a part of this wonderful theater family.
Who’s Who?
Jan Kotula
Producer | Chadwick | Ensemble
Elf The Musical is a wonderfully humorous and heartwarming show, and she sends a huge thank you to the directors, cast and crew for pouring their time and passion into bringing this production to Ashe County. Most of all, thank you to our patrons for supporting live theater in our community.
Angelica (Geli) Hogg
Stage Manager
Geli is proud to be stage managing another phenomenal show. You may have recently seen Geli on stage as Miss Jessel in “Turn of The Screw,” and Ruby in “Second Samuel.” More often, Geli is seen backstage, having recently stage managed “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Ripcord.” They are delighted to be a part of the backstage magic.
Renee Thompson
Assistant Stage Manager
Renee has been in two productions thus far with ACLT, Shrek the Musical (2026) and Gypsy (2019). She graduated with her BA in Theatre this past December from Appalachian State. She looks forward to assistant stage managing Elf the Musical and her directorial debut next season.
Ginny White
Buddy
Ginny is currently a freshman at Ashe County High School. Some of her most recent roles are Electric Skate #3 in SpongeBob the Musical, Wendy in New Wendy in Neverland, and Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka. She is very glad to be returning for her third Christmas based production with ACLT, and hopes this show helps every audience member's Christmas be a little bit more Sparkle-Jolly-Twinkle-Jingley!
Audrey Head
Jovie
Audrey is thrilled to bring you Jovie in Elf the Musical, her fourth production at ACLT. Audrey would like to thank her husband for his infinite support at home and in the audience, the dedicated cast and crew, and the show’s amazing directors, Jan & Mary. Enjoy the show!
Brant Burgiss
Walter Hobbs
Past ACLT shows include Shrek, Hello Dolly, Willy Wonka, To Kill A Mockingbird, Bus Stop, Is He Dead? and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, as well as other regional community theatre productions and audiobooks. He is married to Amy and they have 2 daughters. When not on stage, Brant is the manager for Thistle Meadow Winery in Laurel Springs.
Tracy Turner
Emily
Elf the Musical is Tracy’s first production with ACLT. Tracy has performed three plays for Alleghany Community Theatre. The most recent The Wild Woman of Winedale. In 2002, Tracy enjoyed Shrek, the Musical in the Greensboro Community Theatre. When she is not performing, she enjoys her two dogs, gardening, reading, singing and volunteering.
Felix Young
Michael
Felix is delighted to be playing Michael Hobbs in Elf the Musical. This is Felix’s 4th production with ACLT; including her most recent role as Miles in Turn of The Screw. When not on stage, Felix enjoys hanging out with friends, hitting up a cool thrift store, or going on a side quest— like trying to narrow down the place with the best Italian sammie! They hope you enjoy the show!
Sally Kinka
Deb
Sally is very happy to be back on the ACLT stage, and part of this delightful production, (one of the most quoted shows in the Kinka household!) Last seen as “Marilyn” in “Rip Cord,” she has been onstage in over 30 productions, directing many more. She would like to thank her husband Ken for all his support and patience during two back-to-back productions.
Michael Kotula
Manager | Ensemble
Mike is the current President of ACLT and the guy that does everything, including the high-stakes, glamorous duty of taking out the theater trash. Mike enjoys fly fishing and crafting fishing rods. In his spare time, he is outnumbered by his family … two children, eight grandchildren, and the two Yorkies who secretly run his house.
Michael Malloy
Mr. Greenway | Ensemble
On his knees as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical, Michael is excited to spread some Christmas cheer! Memorable characters include: Igor, Young Frankenstein, Sebastian, Little Mermaid, Mr. Wormwood, Matilda and Doc, Second Samuel. Michael serves as organist at Laurel Mountain Moravian Fellowship and lives in Chestnut Hill with his husband Larry and beagles Max & Smokey.
Michael Howell
The Real Santa | Ensemble
Mike is excited to be in a fifth musical with ACLT. You may recognize him from his most recent role as the Captain of the Guard in Shrek: The Musical! Or maybe as Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors! He is directing the October fundraiser play at Generations Ashe (October 17, 2026).
Mary Greenwood
Mrs. Santa | Fake Santa | Ensemble
This is Mary’s third show with ACLT, having previously performed in Shrek and Fiddler on the Roof. She would like to thank her acting, singing and dancing coach, Dick Greenwood. No, seriously Dad, thanks for everything!
Jill Gambill
Matthews | Ensemble
Jill has been active in ACLT since 2000. She has participated in more than 30 shows, including The Mountain In Us where she portrayed her 6th great grandmother, and Matilda as The Trunchbull. She was last seen as Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. When not on stage, she teaches art at Ashe Middle School. Enjoy the show!
Sarah Brandt
Charlie | Ensemble
Sarah is a singing enthusiast and began her acting journey with Missoula Children’s Theater. Sarah has since been in many ACLT productions and most recently Dracula, The New Wendy, Shrek, and the dinner theater production Cafe Murder. She is a member of the Bethany United Methodist Choir, and participates in The Ashe Community Singers.
Kinley Greene
Tiara | Ensemble
This is Kinley’s first play with ACLT. She goes to Ashe County Middle School, and she is interested in taking Agriculture. Her hobbies are horseback riding, archery, singing, and going to see her horse, Preacher. She has been in plays with Missoula Children’s Theatre. She would like to thank her parents for supporting her. She is very excited to perform in “Elf the Musical.”
Delia Gambill
Charlotte | Ensemble
Dehlia has been involved in theater since she was 6 years old. She attends Ashe Early College, loves to draw and write when not on stage. Delia has previously been seen on stage as Matilda in Matilda the Musical and most recently as Molly in The Turn of the Screw. Enjoy the show!
Joy (Cook) Ike
Sara | Ensemble
Joy is honored to be making her debut at ACLT after a 3 year absence from the theatrical stage. She retired 5 years ago after teaching chorus and drama to K-12 children for 30 years in Concord, N.C. Joy has mostly been busy behind the curtain producing and directing plays, musicals and concerts. Joy is grateful for the opportunity to join this “sparkling” cast!
Edie Miller
Security Guard | Ensemble
Edie Miller is an ACLT veteran of over 40 years. She enjoys working backstage or onstage. Some of her favorite roles are Alora in Walking Across Egypt or Lenny in Crimes Of The Heart. She really enjoys musicals. Edie has been employed by United Chem-Con for 57 years. She lives in Jefferson and is married to Eddie. They have a fur baby named Stewball.
Miles Poteat
Sam | Ensemble
Miles is extremely excited to be part of the ACLT family again, having previously been a part of Shrek the Musical last spring, after a childhood of being a part of productions. While not performing, they are reading or writing, usually with a soundtrack playing in the background. They truly hope you enjoy the show!
Johelen Walker
Salvation Army Lady | Ensemble
Johelen moved permanently from Durham, NC in Sept 2025. In Durham, she sang and performed with the Common Woman Chorus - a queer centered, social justice treble chorus performing bi-annual concerts and at Raleigh and Durham Pride events. Johelen has college-age twins, Nat and Abby, who are her heart and soul. “I love you babies!”
Les Miller
Fake Santa | Ensemble
Les has been on and off the stage in various musicals and performances for ACLT since 2008. Some of his most memorable performances have been Ito in Mame, Herbie in Gypsy, and 7 different characters in Young Frankenstein. Les has always wanted to play SANTA in a show and now his wish has come true. He thanks his lovely bride, Marilyn, for putting up with all of his antics and hopes you enjoy the show.
Parker Dula
Fake Santa | Ensemble
After attending UNCG, Parker is currently teaching band, choir, and general music at Ashe County High School. He was the musical director for Fiddler on the Roof, Little Shop of Horrors, and Shrek the Musical. Now, he is taking the stage! He is enjoying every moment and is appreciative of all the help and support he's gotten along the way. He would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the cast and crew for all that they do, and plans to audition for future plays.
Ella Roush
Elf | Ensemble
Ella is incredibly excited to be part of the cast of Elf! Ella recently performed in Shrek and Neverland, making this her third theater production. Outside of theater, Ella loves spending her free time coloring, doing her makeup, and collecting Littlest Pet Shop figures. Ella would like to thank her family, friends, and the amazing cast and crew for making this such a wonderful experience.
Sophia Roten
Fake Santa | Ensemble
Sophia is a middle school student who has performed in 4 previous ACLT productions; Missoula Children’s Theater, 3 ACLT summer camps, and productions Frozen Jr. and Peter Pan at Westwood Elementary. She is excited to return to the stage for Elf, playing 6 roles. Sophia loves art and sports. She is grateful to her parents for their loving support.
Lany Elliot
Elf | Ensemble
Lany is in the Ashe County High School Marching Band. Her last performance with ACLT was “Sherk the Musical.” She would like to thank her mother, father, sister and brother for supporting her with all her activities.
Stella Baines
Elf | Ensemble
Stella is excited to make her stage debut in ELF The Musical. Outside of the theatre, Stella enjoys playing softball and volleyball, volunteering at her neighbor's horse stables and hanging out with her friends. She hopes to participate in future ACLT productions. Stella would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
Elsie Friesland
Elf | Ensemble
Elsie is excited to return to the ACLT stage after appearing in Shrek, New Wendy, and The Turn of the Screw. She enjoys reading, talking with friends, and spending time with her dog, Rocky, and cat, Loki. Elsie would like to thank Jan Gambill and Mary Job for the opportunity to be on stage and sing again!
Maya Hernandez
Elf | Ensemble
Maya is so excited to be in her second play for the little Ashe county theater. It has been an amazing experience to join this new found family. She has starred as flora in the turn of the screw and has participated many other school plays. Her talent will only continue to grow as she explores the arts.
Jane Adams
Vocal Coach
Janie has been immersed in music her whole life. She was a cast member in ACLT’s Fiddler on the Roof. Currently, she is the Music Ministry Director at First Baptist Church West Jefferson. This is her first opportunity to be music director for ACLT. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
Junine Johnson
Vocal Coach
Alexis Howard
Costume Design
Catlin Dean
Costume Tech
Charna Howson
Makeup & Hair Design
Jina Motts
Choreographer
Jina is an experienced dance educator and movement specialist with a lifelong passion for physical expression and wellness. She has spent many years as an artistic director of her own dance school. Currently, she shares her expertise in dance, as well as instructs yoga and pilates locally at HCPAA. She also enjoys crafting, gardening and tending to her beehives.
Production Staff
Directors: Mary Job, Jan Gambill
Producer: Jan Kotula
Stage Manager: Angelica (Geli) Hogg
Assistant Stage Manager: Renee Thompson
Choreographer: Jina Motts
Vocal Coaches: Junine Johnson, Jane Adams
Backstage Tech: Hunter Hogg, Jerry Brandt
Costume Design: Alexis Howard
Costume Techs: Catlin Dean, Jan Gambill, Jill Gambill, Delia Gambill, Deb Handy, Tina Greer, Cherie Choate, Lily Petruziello, Haven ?, Mary Job
Makeup/Hair Design: Charna Howson
Makeup/Hair Techs: Annette DePalma
Set Design: Mary Job
Lighting Design: Lennon Lupton
Lighting Techs:
Projector:
Sound Design: Richard Edmondson
Props: Angelica (Geli) Hogg, Renee Thompson, Edie Miller
Master Carpenter: Jerry Brandt
Set Construction: Mike Kotula, Bob Rogers, Jake Ross, Radley Ross, Mary Job, Sally Kinka, Michael Howell, David Hecht
Set Painting: Sally Kinka, Jan Kotula, Mary Job, Mike Kotula, Jake Ross, Radley Ross, Michael Howell
Photographer: Brooke Calhoun
Videographer: Brooke Calhoun
Poster Design: Brooke Calhoun
Marketing / Promotion: Brooke Calhoun, Jan Kotula
Publicity: Brooke Calhoun, Jan Kotula
Fundraising: Jan Kotula, Brooke Calhoun
House Managers: Stephen Banks, Mary Job, Jan Gambill
Front of House Volunteers: Beth Ann Calhoun, Camri McCormick, Ken Tumin, Sarah Roush, David and Lynn Hecht, Mary Beth Strickland, Marilyn Miller, Landon Miller, Vicki Lutz, Elizabeth White, Katie Lail, Kim Friesland, Robin Schuppe Miller, Carla West, Mona Lisa Dockery, Janet and Bob Edsel, Deborah Spencer, Jessica Steinman
Bakers: Beth Ann Calhoun, Deborah Spencer, Lynn Hecht, Jan Kotula, Jan Gambill, Sarah Roush, Elizabeth Furcolo, Joyce Cook, Shalamar Blevins, Bakers Addict Bakery
Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. 423 West 55th Street, Second Floor, New York, NY 10019
